“I see life as a spiritual experience and life expressed through music adds a dynamic quality,” says Grammy winning guitarist, singer and producer Norman Brown. With an enviable career that has spanned close to three decades, the consummate hit-maker has masterfully created the soundtrack for many of our lives with his irresistible mélange of Jazz, R&B, Pop, Blues and beyond. Brown’s philosophy is simple when it comes to categorizing music. He explains, “There are only two types; good and bad.” JazzTimes Magazine touts that the guitarist is “a culmination of Jimi Hendrix and George Benson with some of Wes Montgomery thrown in,” while AllMusic raves that Brown is one of “contemporary jazz’s brightest lights…as master player and improviser.” Norman Brown’s charisma and versatility has afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with a cross-section of Jazz and R&B stars including Brian McKnight, Kirk Whalum, Miki Howard, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Everette Harp and Chanté Moore, to name a few. On February 22, 2019, Shanachie Entertainment will release Brown’s eleventh recording as a leader, The Highest Act Of Love. The Atlanta based musicians’s most inspired CD yet, features special guest R&B legend Deniece Williams, as well as fellow guitarist Paul Brown. When it comes to personal aspirations, the multi-platinum selling guitarist shares, “This is my gift and offering to my fans and my bid is that the music will be impactful, joyous and entertaining, and bring a sense of peace and understanding.”

The Highest Act of Love features eleven soul-stirring and thought provoking tracks of mostly originals that celebrate the spiritual and personal journey within each of us. Norman explains that there is a theme that unites all of the tracks. “Everything I choose has content and elements that reveal a message of love,” states the guitarist. At the core of Brown’s work is his grounding in his faith and the principals of Maat, the ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, harmony, morality and justice. These tenants of wisdom and knowledge inform Brown’s own life and music. With the release of Brown’s new CD he is fulfilling a mission as the title The Highest Act Of Love suggests. He explains the ancient Egyptian wisdom taught to him by his Sage, Ra Un Nefer Amen, the high Priest and Founder of the Ausar/Auset Society.

“My body is the vessel of God on earth. Fulfilling God’s need is the highest act of love,” notes Brown. “The process of loving God first, then yourself allows you to then love everyone else.” It is only fitting that the serenity and beauty of “Inside The Garden Of Peace and Love” open The Highest Act of Love.” The tender ballad unites Brown with fellow guitarist Paul Brown. “Paul started the magic,” shares Brown. “We composed this song together and our chemistry was firing on all cylinders and the groove was smooth.” The ebullient “The King Is Here” is a song that dates back to 2002 that Norman finally brings to life on The Highest Act Of Love. Brown’s original “Words Of Wisdom” reminds us all to listen to your intuition from inside as your guide and to be open to receiving messages as revelations for “divine wisdom” to resolve setbacks/conflicts/problems in order to bring peace and balance in your life.” The song takes on another special meaning for Norman as it features the vocals of a dear friend, Baby Lee. “She never had the opportunity to be featured on a major recording. Shortly after recording her feature performance, she became ill and passed away. Thankfully, her husband was able to play her the song while she was in the hospital. She passed away two days later.” Continue reading →